The tagging scheme below is kept highly generic in order to be applicable internationally. More information on specific details for certain countries (such as signals, operating procedures), including illustrated examples, are available at country-specific tagging.

Many tags have a standard value. These values can be used by applications if the tag is not set. In this case the software expects that the standard value is the correct value. If the value of a tag is equal to the standard value, you do not need to set this tag, because the software automatically selects the correct value. Nevertheless you can set the tag, to show other mappers that you do not forgot to set this tag and to prevent conflicts with other applications.

Tagging scheme

Infrastructure

Tracks

Each track is to be treated separately. Thus, double track lines are to be mapped with two separate tracks. Tags such as tracks=* are not interpreted by OpenRailwayMap, because each mapped way is treated as a single track.

The track is preserved (can still be seen) but is no longer in use and possibly overgrown.

abandoned

Abandoned track

While the track no longer holds any rails or signals, the former line (or even a trackbed) can still be seen. These remains might include embankments, trenches, bridges and tunnels.

razed

Overbuilt track

A former track that has been built upon. While some remains might still be seen, the former route is subject to educated guesses for the most part.

narrow_gauge

Narrow-gauge track

A track with a gauge narrower than typical to this country. A gauge might be defined by the tag gauge=*. For tracks with three rails, the tag railway=rail can be used, specifying both gauges by gauge=*, separated by a semicolon (such as 1435;1000).

light_rail

City railway, sometimes "Suburban"

City railway and tramlike underground trains, sometimes "suburban." These can be heavy trains, differ in power system (usually electric, occasionally diesel), have their own signals and are a distinct vehicle fleet. These usually are in a dedicated right-of-way, rarely having level crossings with road traffic. However, in denser urban areas these can be street-running as a tram, even while remaining tagged railway=light_rail. North American examples include San Diego Trolley, San Francisco Muni, Portland MAX, Calgary CTrain, Dallas DART, Cleveland Blue and Green Lines, The Tide in Norfolk, Baltimore Light Rail and Buffalo Metro Rail where passenger=urban might be found more frequently instead of passenger=suburban, considered more "commuter" railways.

subway

Subway/Metro

Underground railway in larger cities, powered mostly by third rail. It has its own vehicles and signal system. Sometimes it also comes to the surface. Do not map ordinary railway, which goes partially underground, with this tag!

tram

Tram

Mostly overground on-street laid tracks (street-running). It is common that vehicles like motorcars can share traffic lanes with trams. Some special railways similar to trams might be also mapped using this tag. Larger parts of tram tracks can also go underground. Some tram routes also use ordinary railway tracks. These should me mapped as ordinary railway tracks.

miniature

Miniature railway

Small railways in parks for entertainment or as a tourist attraction, mostly narrow gauge (up to 600mm).

name

<line name>

Railway line name

The name of a railway line e.g. Illinois Central. Use this tag for proper names only. You should not enter descriptions such as Boston - Washington, DC or the name of the track inside a station, like Track 5. See also Names#Name_is_the_name_only.

description

<line description>

Railway line descriptions

Railway line names which are more descriptive, rather than a name (see Names#Name_is_the_name_only), e.g. Boston - Washington, DC or Track 5.

ref

<line number>

Railway line number

The reference number of the railway line the track belongs to.

railway:track_ref

<track number>

Track number

Number of a track inside railway station area.

historic

railway

Historic Railway Track

Should be used in conjunction with railway=disused, railway=abandoned, and railway=razed.

no

railway:preserved

yes/no

Preserved Railway Track

Heritage railways or railways which are operated with the aim to preserve the historical state (vehicles, buildings, signaling). Usually (but not necessarily) such tracks are operated by railroad museums for the purpose of tourism, although there are also lines with regular public transport with historic trains (e.g. San Diego Trolley Silver Line) or trolley routes. This Tag replaces railway=preserved.

no

usage

Warning: Inside railway station area, use usage=* only for the main tracks (not for siding, yard tracks etc.). That also applies for crossover or overtaking tracks outside of the railway stations. Always use this tag only on the main tracks. As an exception, you may use usage=industrial and usage=military on siding and yard tracks, and crossovers in industrial areas such as harbors and mines.

main

Main line

Main line, mostly double tracked and electrified. Use this tag on railways with high maximum speed and dense traffic. Railway crossings are mostly elevated. In North America, this can include single-tracked non-electrified line, especially over very long distances.

branch

Branch line

Branch lines, which are mostly single tracked, not electrified and with lower maximum speed. Railway crossings are mostly on the same level as tracks.

industrial

Industrial line

Lines, that serve only goods transport. Mostly in larger ports or industrial areas. Mostly owned by industrial company. As an exception, you may use usage=industrial on siding and yard tracks, and crossovers in industrial areas such as harbors and mines.

military

Tracks used by military

Military used tracks. Mostly between railway station and ammunition storage areas.

tourism

Tracks used mainly or exclusively by tourists

Lines used only by tourists, often in service only during summer. Often run by museums featuring historical trains.

test

Tracks used for testing

Tracks used for testing of new vehicles.

highspeed

yes/no

High-speed line

Is this line a high-speed line (with permissible speeds greater than 200 kph)? Such lines may have ballastless/slab track and usually have no level crossings. Most of the traffic is usually long(er)-distance passenger trains, usually dedicated high(er)-speed trains.

no

railway:tilting

yes/no

Tilting

If this track is designed for tilting trains (used for the possibility to go through curves faster)

Used for tracks that were formerly electrified, but have since been removed.

contact_line

Contact line

Used for tracks with a catenary/contact line above them.

rail

Contact rail

Used for tracks electrified by a contact rail/third rail.

deelectrified

<same values as electrified>

De-electrified

Used for tracks that were formerly electrified, but have since been removed. The usage of this tag is discouraged. Use abandoned:electrified instead, with optional usage of abandoned:frequency and abandoned:voltage.

voltage

<voltage in Volts>

Voltage

Voltage of the railway electrification system. Current Systems on Wikipedia

frequency

<frequency in Hertz>

Frequency

Frequency of the railway electrification system. Use 0 for direct current. More information

0

gauge

<Distance between rails in millimetres>

Track Gauge

Distance between rails of the track. For example, in North America, mostly 1435mm, tagged gauge=1435. Track Gauge on Wikipedia

1435

embedded

yes

Embedded Rail

Used for tracks that are embedded in any sort of pavement. This is often for level crossings, but it can also be seen for street running on Wikipedia, embedded slab track, or other such anomalies.

pavement

Pavement Embedded Rail

Embedded rail where the gaps on the sides of the rail and flangeway are the same pavement material.

metal

Metal Cover Plate

Embedded rail where the gaps on the sides of the rail and flangeway are covered with a metal plating.

wood

Wood Cover

Embedded rail where the gaps on the sides of the rail and flangeway are covered or filled with wood planks. This is an older method that's largely replaced because of rot.

plastic

Plastic Cover

Embedded rail where the gaps on the sides of the rail and flangeway are covered or filled with plastic.

railway:rail

jointed/continuous

Connection of rails

What type of rail it is. It is either jointed track on Wikipedia, which is bolted together at joints by joint bars/fishplates, or continuously-welded rail on Wikipedia, where the joints are welded together to form a single rail that is often several miles long.

The rack system used is the Lamella System, also known as the Von Roll System.

railway:traffic_mode

mixed

Mixed traffic

Lines are used regularly by both passenger and freight trains

mixed

passenger

Passenger traffic

Lines dedicated to passenger trains (might have some exceptions, especially temporally i.e. freight only during 0200-0330).

freight

Freight traffic

Lines dedicated to freight trains (might have some exceptions).

maxspeed

<Maximum speed>

Maximum speed

The maximum permissible speed in a track section. If in units other than kph, enter the speed followed by a space and the units (e.g., "10 mph"). For dynamic speeds (such as signals) the highest speed limit should be tagged. Speeds for directions can be defined by maxspeed:forward=* and maxspeed:backward=*.

maxspeed:tilting

<Permissible speed>

Maximum speed for tilting trains

Maximum speed for trains equipped with tilting system. Used mainly in curves, where tilting allows for greater maximum speeds. If this is dependent on other conditions, for example daylight, wind speed etc. enter the highest possible speed limit. Speeds for directions can be defined by maxspeed:tilting:forward=* and maxspeed:tilting:backward=*.

service

Warning: Use tag service=* on all tracks that are not main, that means for all sidings, crossovers, yard tracks, spurs etc.

yard

Yard track

Tracks mostly in railway stations used by railway companies for assembling and disassembling of trains. Mostly numbered (use railway:track_ref=* ).

siding

Siding track

Track parallel to main tracks, mostly in railway stations, used for overtaking. Often there are platforms next to them. Main tracks shouldn't be tagged with service=*.

spur

Spurs

Mostly short tracks leading from railway lines to industrial areas. When there are more complicated systems of spur tracks, consider also using other tags from category service=*.

crossover

Crossover track

Short tracks used by trains to change from one main track to the other. To be found only on double or more tracked railways. Often found in stations and at (crossover) junctions.

railway:radio

analogue/gsm-r

Train radio

Which radio system is used on this line?

gsm-r

operator

<operator_name>

Operator

The operator of the track (infrastructure, not train).

embankment

yes/no

Embankment

Is the track elevated using earth or concrete dam?

no

cutting

yes/no

Cutting

Is the track set in lowered terrain?

no

railway:preferred_direction

Warning: The direction of OSM-ways DOES matter! This tag is important for routing, it tells the software which track of a multi-track line should be preferred. Not especially important in railway stations (allowed directions may change there).

forward

Normal direction of running equal to OSM way

The normal direction of running on this track is equal to the direction of the OSM way (for multi-track lines only).

backward

Normal direction of running against OSM way

The normal direction of running on this track is against the direction of the OSM way (for multi-track lines only).

both

No preferred direction

There is no preferred direction of running; trains on this track run in both directions. This tag is used for single-track lines. Multi-track lines with bidirectional traffic are tagged with forward oder backward.

railway:bidirectional

Warning: The direction of OSM-ways DOES matter! This tag is important for routing, it tells us, whether it is possible to navigate this track in wanted direction. Not especially important in railway stations (allowed directions may change there).

regular

Regular bidirectional operation

The track is equipped with signaling in both directions and sees rail traffic in both directions.

signals

Signalized wrong line operation

Each track of a multitrack line is equipped with signaling only in one direction. Usually trains do not use the "wrong" track. Under special circumstances like construction works on the normal track, trains can take the "wrong" track running in the opposite direction.

possible

Falschfahrt möglich

Each track of a multitrack line is equipped with signaling only in one direction and the signals do not offer a possibility for trains to run on a track in the opposite "wrong" direction.

start_date

<date>

Date of inauguration

The date at which a line (or a track) went into service. For information on its syntax, see start_date=*

end_date

<date>

Date of closedown

The date at which a line (or a track) went out of service. More information on its syntax is, again, available end_date=*

incline

up/down/<slope>

Slope

The slope (inclination) of track, in its direction. This tag can either carry a numeric value or up/downMore information

railway:interlaced

yes/no

Gauntlet/interlaced track

This track is part of a Gauntlet track on Wikipedia (also known as interlaced track). Please map all involved tracks as independent OSM ways.

no

railway:passing_prohibited

left/right/yes/both/no

Passing prohibited

Trains must not pass with other trains on the left/right/any/both neighboring tracks on this section because there is not enough space between the tracks or the tracks are interlaced.

no

workrules

working rules

Describes which working rules (usually a law) applies on this track. For possible values see workrules=*

Train protection systems

A train protection system is mapped as property of a track way. Please note some difficulties:

train protection systems can differ per country

train protection systems can differ within a country

a single track can be compatible with multiple train protection systems (dual signalling)

a single train protection system can have different versions/levels

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default

value

railway:acses

yes/no

Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System

Is the track equipped with the North American ACSES system ACSES on Wikipedia?

no

railway:als,

railway:alsn,

railway:alst,

railway:alsr,

railway:als-ars

yes/no

Aвтоматическая

Локомотивная

Cигнализация

Is the track equipped with any variant of the Russian signalling system ALS?

Is the track equipped with the Russian continuous system ALSN on Wikipedia?

Is the track equipped with its non-continuous ALST variant?

Is the track equipped with its radio-based ALSR variant?

Is the track equipped with its automatic train control variant (used in subways)?

no

railway:ases

yes/no

Advanced Speed Enforcement System (ASES)

Is the track equipped with the North American system Ansaldo STS USA Inc's Advanced Speed Enforcement System (ASES)?

no

railway:asfa,

railway:asfa_fac,

railway:asfa_200

yes/no

Anuncio de Señales y

Frenado Automático

Is the track equipped with the regular version of the Spanish system ASFA on Wikipedia (up to 160 km/h)?

Is the track equipped with the ASFA system that is used on several unconnected lines in Catalonia?

Is the track equipped with the 200 km/h compatible version of ASFA? Note that ASFA Digital does not change track systems!

What kind of bridge carrying the track is. Remember to create separate ways and add them to a bridge relation if the bridge span has a movable bridge at the center. If none of the defined types, enter yes.

The URL to an image of the bridge (If possible images from Wikimedia Commons should be used). Please only use for important bridge and not for small ones (e.g. crossing a small stream). In general it's considered useful to have an image, when there is a Wikipedia article about the bridge.

bridge:wikipedia

<language code>:<article name>

Wikipedia article

Wikipedia article about the bridge, please use the format <language code>:<article name>

Tunnels

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

tunnel

yes

Tunnel

The track is in a tunnel

no

layer

<layer>

Layer

To describe the vertical relationship to other tunnels and features.

-1

tunnel:name

<Tunnel name>

Tunnel name

Name of the tunnel

image

<URL>

Image

The URL of an image of the tunnel (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).

tunnel:wikipedia

<language code>:<article name>

Wikipedia article

Wikipedia article about the tunnel, please use the format <language code>:<article name>

Switches

In OpenStreetMap, switches are connection points of two railway tracks. They are defined by the following tags:

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

switch

Switch

General tag for a railway switch. Without it, a crossing of two tracks might either be interpreted as a flat (passive) crossing or a slip switch.

ref

<Switch>

Reference

Identifier/reference number of a switch. In many cases this will be written on the corresponding switch drive or switchpoint light.

railway:local_operated

yes/no

Locally Operated

Is this switch operated locally (e.g.: manually through a lever), or rather remotely operated from a signal box?

no

railway:switch:electric

yes/no

Electric drive

Is this switch operated electrically (through some kind of switch drive)?

yes

railway:radius

<Divering track radius in m> / clothoid

The radius of the diverging track

or "clothoid" if the diverging track starts with a clothoid. This descending radius can be found in high speed switches.

railway:maxspeed:straight

<Speed>

Permissible speed on the straight track

The maximum permissible speed (in kph) on the straight track. If using miles per hour, prefix with mph:.

railway:maxspeed:diverging

<Speed>

Maximum permissible speed on the diverging track.

The maximum permissible speed (in kph) on the diverging track.

railway:turnout_side

left/right

Side of Turnout

Specifies on what side of the switch the new track branches out on. Unnecessary on Three-way, Wye, and Double Slip switches. For curved turnouts, this is typically the track with a smaller curve radius (a sharper curve).

railway:switch

default

Default switch

Default switches with a straight and a curved track as well as curved switches.

Is the switch being heated at temperatures below 0°C to prevent freezing?

Crossings

A crossing is a place where two tracks cross each other at grade, without the option to switch track.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

railway_crossing

Crossing

Crossings are points, where there are two tracks crossing each other. Use this on the joint node.

railway:railway_crossing:movable

yes/no

Gap closing

Some crossings have movable parts that close the gaps of the used track

Derailers, Trap Points, Catch Points

A derailer is a device on a track to protect other tracks from an unauthorized movement by derailing it.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

derail

Derailer

A device placed on a track to protect the track from unauthorized movement by derailing it. In the case where a derailer is physically at the same location as a signal (railway=signal), they cannot be placed on the same node, as they are the signal and derailer are both values of the same key.

railway:derail

wedge

derailer

A wedge to derail vehicles which are placed in siding tracks and move unauthorized. Used in Germany and US.

trap_point

trap point

A switch without a frog on Wikipedia, used to derail trains with pass a stop signal. Used in UK, not in Germany.

catch_point

catch point

"Catch points used where track follows a rising gradient. They are used to derail (or "catch") any unauthorised vehicles travelling down the gradient." (Wikipedia on Wikipedia)

railway:local_operated

yes/no

Locally Operated

Is this derailer operated locally (e.g.: manually through a lever), or rather remotely operated from a signal box?

no

ref

<designation>

Designation

The name/number of the derailer used by the railroad, which is often at its lever or actuator.

Buffer stops

A buffer stop prevents cars from rolling past the end of a track. In most cases this device should be tagged on the end node of a track, but there are also buffer stops in the middle of a track that should be mapped on their real position instead at the end of the track.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

buffer_stop

Buffer stop

Track clear detectors

Train detection systems for the use of block signalling, such as an axle counter or a track circuit. They should be mapped as a node on the track.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

vacancy_detection

Train clear detector

A pair of devices located at the beginning and end of a signal block, with the purpose to detect the presence of a train in the block.

The electrical isolation of each signal block from each other and parallel rails. When the train passes over the block, the wheel and axle completes the circuit and energizes the signal relay. This should be mapped at the relay on one end, or where the electricity is supplied at the opposite end.

A level crossing. In this scheme, there is no difference between road and footway crossings since there is not only often a smooth transition in between but also since this information can be derived from the ways involved.

A level crossing. In this scheme, there is no difference between road and footway crossings since there is not only often a smooth transition in between but also since this information can be derived from the ways involved.

Electrification System Change

For electrified railways, in addition to the tags the tracks of each electrical system get, you can also map a node for the transition point between systems.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

isolated_track_section

Systemtrennstelle/Schutzstrecke

The point where two different electrical sections meet. This can be either at a substation within the same electrical system, or between electrical systems. (e.g.: between Amtrak's 25Hz system and their 12.5kV 60Hz system.)

Operator Boundary

The point where the operator of a track changes (e.g. at sidings or connections between private railway companies and the national railway company.

This tag has been used for owner changes at country borders until end 2014/early 2015.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

owner_change

Operator change point

The point where two different operators meet each other. This implies a change in ownership of the Right of Way.

railway:name:<operator 1>

<Name>

Boundary Name

The name of this boundary point as referred to as one of the railway operators.

railway:name:<operator 2>

<Name>

Boundary Name

The name of this boundary point as referred to as the other railway operator.

railway:ref:<operator 1>

<Abbreviation>

Reference Name

The internal reference name for this boundary point as referred to as one of the railway operators. This is often an abbreviation of the above names.

railway:ref:<operator 2>

<Abbreviation>

Reference Name

The internal reference name for this boundary point as referred to as the other railway operator. This is often an abbreviation of the above names.

Operator abbrevations are derived from the common abbrevations (DB, ÖBB, CFL, NS, SNCF, FS, PKP, …) as defined in Vehicle Keeper Marking Register. All these abbreviations are written uppercase!

System border at country border

The point where the operator of a track changes due to a country border. This is usually a more significant change than owner changes inside a country because the law changes, too.

If the system and owner change is exactly the same point as the country border, the owner change node is connected both to the railway track and the border.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

border

system boundary

The point where two different railway systems meet each other. This implies a change in ownership of the Right of Way.

railway:name:<operator 1>

<Name>

Boundary Name

The name of this boundary point as referred to as one of the railway operators.

railway:name:<operator 2>

<Name>

Boundary Name

The name of this boundary point as referred to as the other railway operator.

railway:ref:<operator 1>

<Abbreviation>

Reference Name

The internal reference name for this boundary point as reffered to as one of the railway operators. This is often an abbreviation of the above names.

railway:ref:<operator 2>

<Abbreviation>

Reference Name

The internal reference name for this boundary point as reffered to as the other railway operator. This is often an abbreviation of the above names.

Operator abbrevations are derived from the common abbrevations (DB, ÖBB, CFL, NS, SNCF, FS, PKP, …) as defined in Vehicle Keeper Marking Register. All these abbreviations are written uppercase!

Signals

Kilometer Signs/Mileposts

Signs designed to measure the length of a railway line. They should be entered as nodes on the tracks themselves. If the railway line has more than one track, it should be entered on each track. Only through tracks should be tagged, as that is what the signs measure (e.g.: do not tag sidings).

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

milestone

Unit Sign

Sign or post for measuring the length of a railway line.

railway:position

<Value of sign, such as 40.6>

Milepost Value

Rounded number displayed on the sign, separated with .. In Germany, for example, this is the number, a decimal point, and then the first digit of the lower number. Negative values are permitted. If using miles, prefix the number with mi:.

railway:position:exact

<Value of sign, such as 40.625>

Exact Milepost Value

Exact number displayed on the sign, separated with .. In Germany, for example, this is the number followed by a decimal point, and then a 3-digit number in the lower corner. Negative values are permitted. If using miles, prefix the number with mi:.

railway:milestone:emergency_brake_override

yes/no

Emergency Brake Override

Is there a mark on the sign to indicate changes to Emergency Brake usage? (e.g.: In Germany, this is an orange band.)

Interlocking

Signal box

Note: Disused and abandoned signal boxes can be mapped by adding disused: or abandoned:. (Example: disused:railway=signal_box).

railway

signal_box

Interlocking

A railway building where railway traffic is controlled via signal commands. Easily recognizable by their tower-like appearance, with a sign or label on the outside. Becoming less used as signal control is centralized.

An interlocking system that controls the signals electrically, regardless if the signals themselves are electrical or mechanical.

track_diagram

Track Diagram Interlocking

An interlocking system where a diagram of the track it covers is mapped on a large display panel, and switches or buttons are placed in correspondance to signal position on the map. In North America, this is usually done through a centralized dispatching office and called Centralized Traffic Control, or CTC.

Crossing box

Crossing boxes can be mapped as either a node of an area (the building). Crossing boxes are buildings where crossing keepers (also known as crossing attendants) stay. We do not map if a level crossing is staffed temporarily because it is defect.

Block Post

Block posts is a signal box building, where a railway employee manually operates block signalling. Block posts are mapped as a node or an area (the building).

If the employee also operates a level crossing, its building is mapped as a block post, not as a crossing box.

Key

Value

Objekt

Beschreibung

Standardwert

Note: Disused and abandoned block posts can be mapped by adding disused: or abandoned:. (Example: disused:railway=blockpost).

railway

blockpost

block post

A building where the railway company employee works. It is a signal box. Ein Bahngebäude, in dem sich der Blockwärter aufhält und den Streckenblock bedient. This buildings are usually one or two levels high. They are often not in the near of level crossings.

Operating Sites

For English speakers, there is no real equivalent for the German term "Betriebsstelle", or Operating Sites. Since this scheme is made by Germans, it is important for mappers to understand what it means. "Betriebsstelle" in German is a railway engineering term that refers to locations on the railroad where special infrastructure is installed; this means Junctions, both Freight and Passenger Stations, among other things described in the section below. From herein, the word Betriebsstelle will not be used.

Operating Sites are to be mapped as a node in the center of the site. Optionally (though recommended for information's sake), a relation can be used to encompass the entire site, which is described in the section below.

An overview for the way Operating Sites should me mapped is included below:

The purpose of including Operating Sites is that they are needed in positioning a label on the map, to be used as a destination for routing applications, or to be used as a search result.

Normally, it is mapped as a node at the geographical center of the Operating Site.

Since the point of the node is for routing purposes, it can be acceptable to map the node somewhere else if placing it at the geographical center of the Operating Site will have adverse affects. Example: The geographical center is in the middle of water or a forest, or other such area.

When mapping the area of the Operating Point through the appropriate relation, use the following standards:

Track towards an Operating Point (in the case of a Station) should start at the entry signals, signs on the track announcing the station, or the switch it originates from. For non-stations, use analogous landmarks to determine this.

In North America, knowing where to differentiate this could be a bit nebulous. Still, try and keep with the logic structure.

For the area perpendicular to the track(s), the outer limits should the boundary of the railway property.

At least tracks, platforms, engine sheds, station buildings, signal facilities, and loading facilities should be included. Other facilities such as parking can be added at discretion of the mapper.

Note: Disused or abandoned stations can be mapped using disused: and abandoned: (For exmple: disused:railway=station).

railway

station

Station

Place with at least one switch, where trains begin, end, cross, turn, end etc. Used for all stations with access for passengers. This can be passenger-only stations, but also stations that are used for passenger traffic and freight traffic or internal purposes.

halt

Halt

Use this for railway "stations", that don't have any switches. Can be difficult to decide, whether to use halt or station. For that decision, mind presence of station building or see official name of the "station".

tram_stop

Tram stop

Stop point for trams.

subway

yes

Subway station

This is a subway station. The tagging scheme does not have a distinction between train and subway stations.

no

name

<station name>

Station name

Name of the station. Use the name on the signs on the station building or at platforms, for example "Köln Hbf".

railway:ref

<station code>

Station Code

The code used for the station. In North America, this might be something like NYP for New York Penn Station or OSB for Old Saybrook Station if it's an Amtrak station. In Germany, the Ril 100 code would be something like KN for Neuss Hbf. Abbreviations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.

Date the yard was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.

image

<URL>

Image

The URL of an image of the yard (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).

ele

<number>

Elevation

Elevation of the yard in metres.

wikipedia

<lang>:<article name>

Wikipedia article

Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example "wikipedia=en:Oak Point Yard".

Employee Station

A railway station used by railway employees only, and is not normally accessible by passengers of freight traffic. Often, these are for maintenance facilities, but there are a number of other uses. It should be mapped at the center of the station, NOT on the way representing the track.

The code used for the station. In North America, this might be something like NYP for New York Penn Station or OSB for Old Saybrook Station if it's an Amtrak station. In Germany, the Ril 100 code would be something like KN for Neuss Hbf. Abbrevations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.

Junctions

The junction between two railways. It should be mapped at the center of the station, NOT on the way representing the track.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

Note: Disused or abandoned stations can be mapped using disused: or abandoned: (For Example: disused:railway=junction).

railway

junction

Railway Junction

A place on a railway where another route branches off of it.

name

<name>

Name

Name of the junction.

railway:ref

Junction Code

The reference code the railway uses to refer to the junction. Abbreviations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.

operator

<operator>

Operator

The operator of the junction.

start_date

<date>

Date of opening

Date the junction was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.

end_date

<date>

Date of closing

Date the junction was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.

image

<URL>

Image

The URL of an image of the Junction (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).

ele

<number>

Elevation

Elevation of the junction in metres.

wikipedia

<lang>:<article name>

Wikipedia article

Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example "wikipedia=en:Fresh Pond Junction".

Crossover

A crossover is a pair of switches that allows trains to transfer to parallel track of a multitrack line or from a single track section to a double track section of the same line. It is mapped as a node in the center of the crossover facility, but not as a node on a track.

Additionally the crossover track is being tagged with service=crossover to mark its function.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

Note: Disused and abandoned crossover can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (example: disused:railway=crossover).

railway

crossover

Crossover

A pair of switches that allows a train to switch to a parallel track.

name

<name of crossover>

Name of crossover

The name of a crossover.

railway:ref

Crossover Code

The reference code the railway uses to refer to the crossover. Abbreviations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.

operator

<operator>

Operator

The operator of the crossover.

start_date

<date>

Date of opening

Date the crossover was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.

end_date

<date>

Date of closing

Date the crossover was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.

image

<URL>

Image

The URL of an image of the crossover (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).

ele

<number>

Elevation

Elevation of the crossover in metres.

wikipedia

<lang>:<article name>

Wikipedia article

Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example "wikipedia=en:Fresh Pond Junction".

Sidings

A siding is an operating site, where a spur forks from a railway line.

The reference code the railway uses to refer to the siding. Abbreviations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.

operator

<operator>

Operator

The operator of the siding.

start_date

<date>

Date of opening

Date the siding was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.

end_date

<date>

Date of closing

Date the siding was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.

image

<URL>

Image

The URL of an image of the siding (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).

ele

<number>

Elevation

Elevation of the siding in metres.

wikipedia

<lang>:<article name>

Wikipedia article

Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example "wikipedia=en:Fresh Pond Junction".

Other Operating Sites

Any Operating Site not covered above (e.g. movable bridges). Note that Interlocking Towers ARE NOT Operating Sites. It should be mapped at the center of the site, NOT on the way representing the track.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

Note: Disused or abandoned stations can be mapped using disused: or abandoned: (For Example: disused:railway=site).

railway

site

Railway Site

An Operating Site. Note that Interlocking Towers ARE NOT Operating Sites.

name

<name of crossover>

Site Name

The name of the site.

railway:ref

Site Code

The reference code the railway uses to refer to the site. Abbreviations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.

Date the site was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.

image

<URL>

Image

The URL of an image of the site (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).

ele

<number>

Elevation

Elevation of the site in metres.

wikipedia

<lang>:<article name>

Wikipedia article

Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example "wikipedia=en:Fresh Pond Junction".

Stop positions

This is not neccisarily required, but can help routing significantly in the absence of other information. If you know where they are, map them. Tagging is based off of the Public Transport Schema, but was expanded to cover non-public transit as well. This should be mapped as a node ON the way of the track.

Defines this point as a stop position of the vehicle (locomotive). In Stop Positions without public transport, this tag is not used.

railway

stop

Stop Position

Defines the stop position of the locomotive. If public transportation, use this in addition to the above tag.

name

<name>

Name

The name of the stop position, such as Locust Manor or Köln-West.

railway:ref

<Stop Position Code>

Abbreviation

The code used for the station. In North America, this might be something like NYP for New York Penn Station or OSB for Old Saybrook Station if it's an Amtrak station. In Germany, the Ril 100 code would be something like KN for Neuss Hbf.

Operating Site (Relation)

The associated components of an Operating Site, such as platforms, buildings, and stop positions. The tagging is based off of stop_areas in the Public Transport Schema, but is extended to cover non-public transit Operating Sites.

The physical area the Operating Site can be included. This should be a single area mapped with the tag landuse=railway.

building

>=0

Buildings

Any buildings part of the Operating Site should be included. Usually, this is the station building.

<empty, no role>

1

Operating Site Node

The node of the Operating Site must be included. Leave the role field empty even if JOSM warns you.

Railway lines

Railway Lines are mapped with relations, and split between three categories that should not be mixed up: infrastructure, railway route, and train route. Infrastructure is the first type, based around the physical tracks. These are often expressed as branches for smaller lines. A second type of relation is the railway route, which is the route of operation of trains (plural) over the infrastructure. (In North America, expressing physical track infrastructure as "railway line" relations is omitted, "skipping" to "railway route" relations to represent infrastructure as collections of track elements). The third category of relation is the train route, which is the route a specific train will take over the aforementioned railway route, showing in order the standard tracks it will take and where it will stop.

Railway Line

The physical railroad on which trains operate. Way direction is not required (key:oneway should not be on the ways), and ways do not have to be added as members in any specific order. Only tracks are to be included in this relation. Only the mainline should be included, with sidings and spurs being excluded. Railway Line relations are omitted in North America.

A code used internally by the Railroad to refer to this Railway Line. Included because Germany has such a system.

from

<city>

Beginning City

The city in which the Railway Line begins. If the line is a spur and only connects to another Railway Line at one end, that city should be the "from" city.

to

<city>

Ending City

The city in which the Railway Line ends.

wikipedia

<lang>:<article name>

Wikipedia article

Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>.

historic

railway

Historic Railway Line

Is this railway line historic (not currently considered this)? This does not necessarily mean the tracks are nonexistent, as it can also indicate parts of this line were used to create a new line.

no

abandoned

yes/no

Abandoned Railway Line

Were the tracks of this right-of-way removed? If so, please use the above key historic=yes as well.

no

Railway Route

Railway Routes are the route of operation of trains over a Railway Line. Way direction is not required (key:oneway should not be on the ways), and ways do not have to be added as members in any specific order, although it is considered good practice to sort the relation members for connectivity, for example by clicking JOSM's relation editor's "Sort" button. Only tracks are to be included in this relation. Only the mainline should be included, with sidings and spurs being excluded. In North America, Railway Route relations effectively conflate "Railway Line" and "route of operation of trains" into a single relation of this type.

Station/Stop

All components of a station/stop, including stop positions, are summarized by adding them to a relation. The tagging is directly based on the Public Transport Schema, but was extended to also cover Operating Sites, which is a category that contains things not used in public transport.

Is the platform equipped with tactile paving for a blindman's cane? The most widespread and important on the yellow line that borders the track end of the platform. Note that tactile_paving:yes cannot be used on areas, so if present should be mapped on a separate way.

height

<height>

Platform Height

The height of the platform in meters. If using feet, prefix with ft:.

operator

<operator>

Operator

The operator of the platform.

If a track along one platform edge has multiple numbers (e.g. 4a and 4b because it is used by two trains at the same time), the platform can be mapped as multipolygon. Tags which were tagged at the area should be transferred to the multipolygon relation. The platform edges parallel to the tracks are tagged with railway=platform_edge and ref=<track number>.

If the platform is divided into sections (A, B, C, …) to describe which carriage stops at which section, you can map a nodes at the section signs onto the platform edge and tag it with railway:platform:section=C.

Ticket vending machines

A vending machine where it is possible to buy transport tickets.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

amenity

vending_machine

vending machine

Generic tag for a vending machine. Beeing tagged as a point.

vending

public_transport_tickets

ticket machine

Amachine where you can buy tickets.

operator

<operator>

operator

The operator of these machines, such as Deutsche Bahn.

ref

<Number>

Machine number

The internal number of the machine. Often written on it.

payment:coins

yes/no

Coins

Does the machine accept coins?

no

payment:notes

yes/no

banknotes

Does the machine accept banknotes?

no

payment:electronic_purses

yes/no

Stored value cards

Does the machine accept prepaid cards?

no

payment:debit_cards

yes/no

Maestro/debit cards

Does the machine accept debit cards, e.g.: maestro?

no

payment:credit_cards

yes/no

Credit cards

Does the machine accept credit cards?

no

payment:account_cards

yes/no

loyalty cards

Does the machine accept loyalty cards, e.g.: "BahnCard" or "Railcard"?

no

Ticket counters

A desk where you can buy tickets and ask for information. Mapped as a node.

Service Telephone

Telephones are plotted as node on their actual locations next to the track.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

phone

Fernsprecher

A service telephone for the railway, often at level crossings so that in emergency someone can connect to the relevant signal operator. Telephones are plotted as node on their actual locations next to the track.

ref

<number>

Reference Number

A reference number for the telephone, not the telephone number.

Water tower

A water tower to supply steam locomotives with water. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferrable.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

Note: Disused and abandoned water towers can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=water_tower).

A structure used to check compliance with the railway's loading gauge. More recently, this is an electronic detector that uses light beams, but has been and can be an arm of gantry placed over the exit of a goods yard or the entrance of a restricted part of the railway. Mapped as a node on the track.

Hump

A hill in a classification yard that the lead track of the yard goes over. Railroad cars then roll down the other side into the appropriate track.

A hill in a classification yard that the lead track of the yard goes over. Railroad cars then roll down the other side into the appropriate track. This is mapped as a point on the track at the peak of the hill.

Retarder

A retarder is a track-based brake used in hump yards to keep the speed of cars low.

A retarder is a track-based brake used in hump yards to keep the speed of cars low. It is on the outside of the tracks and grips the wheels against the tracks to slow them down. It is mapped as a node at the end closest to the hump in the hump yard.

Engine Shed

A shed to protect locomotives and rolling stock from the environment. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.

It is reccomended mapping the node where track intersects the building as entrance=yes. Consider potentially also adding the tags to that node as barrier=door with tags like door:overhead (if the door is an up-and-over door), or door:sliding (if the door slides to the left or the right to open).

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

Note: Disused and abandoned engine shed can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=engine_shed).

railway

engine_shed

Engine Shed

A shed to protect locomotives and rolling stock from the environment. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferrable.

building

yes

Building

If the shed is mapped as an area, it should have this tag.

name

<name>

Name

The name of the engine shed.

Locomotive Works

A engine shed that is built to serve as a maintenance facility for locomotives or rolling stock. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferrable.

It is reccomended mapping the node where track intersects the building as entrance=yes. Consider potentially also adding the tags to that node as barrier=door with tags like door:overhead (if the door is an up-and-over door), or door:sliding (if the door slides to the left or the right to open).

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

Note: Disused and abandoned locomotive works can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=workshop).

railway

workshop

Locomotive Works

A engine shed that is built to serve as a maintenance facility for locomotives or rolling stock. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferrable.

building

yes

Building

If the shed is mapped as an area, it should have this tag.

name

<name>

Name

The name of the locomotive works.

Radio Mast (Railroad)

A radio mast that the railroad transmits its radio system from. It is mapped as a node.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

radio

Radio Mast

A radio mast that the railroad transmits its radio system from. It is mapped as a node.

A device that moves horizontally to transfer locomotives to different tracks. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferrable. Make sure to map the entire area it can move.

Loading Dock

A loading dock or loading point for moving goods on or off of railcars. For purposes of mapping, a [#Platforms|platform] for freight. Can be mapped as a node, way, or area. Ideally mapped as an area.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway

loading_ramp

Loading Ramp/Loading Dock

platform] for freight. Can be mapped as a node, way, or area. Ideally mapped as an area.

name

<name>

Name

A name for the loading dock for the renderer, as well as navigational aid.

lit

yes/no

Lighting

Is the platform lit?

no

surface

asphalt/paving_stones/concrete etc.

Ramp Surface

The material the surface of the ramp is. See Key:surface for more values.

operator

<operator>

Operator

Operator of the loading dock.

height

<height>

Platform Height

The height of the platform in meters. If using feet, prefix with ft:.

area

yes/no

Area

Is the platform mapped an an area?

yes

Crane

A crane next to or above the track in order to load or unload goods, such as coal or shipping containers. If it is a fixed crane, it can be tagged as a node or an area, with area being preferred. If a Gantry Crane, it can be tagged as a node at the center of the track or a way to the side of the track, with the way being preferred.

A type of railroad car designed for loading different gauge railroad equipment on it, to allow said equipment to traverse a different gauge railway. This is usually a lager gauge over a smaller gauge. It is mapped as a node on the infrastructure that allows the railroad cars to load onto the transporter car.

Bogie Exchange

A facility where the gauge of a car can be changed by exchanging its wheels and axles.

Gate

A gate that blocks the track, such as at a factory. This is mapped as a node on the track. For multiple tracks, map a node on each track.

access

private/no

Access

The restrictions on access for the gate. access=private should be used for private corporations and companies, and access=no should be for government-run facilities.

Railway museums

A museum that exhibits and restores various aspects of railroad history, including locomotives, rolling stock, and signalling equipment. It can be mapped as a node or an area, with an area being preferred.

If mapped as an area, map the museum grounds. If a node, map the node at the center of the museum grounds.

A museum that exhibits and restores various aspects of railroad history, including locomotives, rolling stock, and signalling equipment. It can be mapped as a node or an area, with an area being preferred.

tourism

museum

Museum

Indicates this is a museum.

name

<name>

Name

The name of the museum

area

no/yes

Area

Tag if this is an area.

image

<URL>

Image

The URL of an image of the museum (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).

wikipedia

<lang>:<article name>

Wikipedia article

Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example "wikipedia=en:Illinois Railway Museum".

Container Terminal

A transshipment facility for shipping containers. For uses to ORM, this is between ships and rail, or rail and truck. Mapped as a node or an area, with an area being preferred.

Station buildings

Note: Disused and abandoned station buildings can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:building=train_station).

building

train_station

Station Building

A building of a railroad station.

start_date

<date>

Date of opening

Date the building was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.

end_date

<date>

Date of closing

Date the building was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.

image

<URL>

Image

The URL of an image of the Station Building. (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).

ele

<elevation>

Elevation

The height of the building above sea level, in meters. If using feet, prefix with ft:.

Companies with rail connection

Factories, industrial plants, or other companies that have railway access. Please tag all buildings at the factory as having rail connections If the building exists previously, please just add the below tags, if they aren't already present. The tracks themselves should be tagged with usage=industrial. The purpose of all of this is to specifically highlight these buildings in ORM.

The following tags are important to OpenRailwayMap rendering industrial sites specifically:

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

landuse

industrial/commercial

Landuse

If the area is used for industrial purposes, or commercial purposes.

man_made

works

Factory

An industrial production plant, also known as a factory. Only tag if it is a factory.

name

<name>

Factory Name

The name of the factory.

The following tags are helpful in OpenStreetMap at large, and should be added if not present and are known values:

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

Note: Disused and abandoned buildings can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:building=yes).

Electrical Facilities

Catenary Mast

Joints

Joints are points of catenary or electric rail which disconnect two electric circuit.

Key

Value

Property

Description

Default value

railway:electricity

joint

Joint

This point in catenary or electric rail disconnects two electric circuit.

railway:electricity:jumpering

jumpered/possible/no

status of jumpering

Describes default status of this joint. Use jumpered if this joint does usually not disconnect two sections. Use possible if this joint usually disconnects two electric circuits but can be jumpered if one power supply fails or a electric train has a breakdown in an insulated section. Use no if this joint can never be jumpered.

Neutral sections

Track section where the catenary is grounded (can be found at joints) and where the main switch has to be turned off, should be tagged with railway:main_switch_off=yes.